JP2007052030A - Recording medium readable by computer for recording map information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording medium readable by a computer for recording map information, capable of improving handleability. <P>SOLUTION: The map information includes map data necessary for display or route search, which are set by using as a unit each map sheet classified by the longitude and the latitude; and detailed data of a facility corresponding to a prescribed theme, which are set by using as a unit a prescribed domain specified by designating a plurality of crossings. A DVD 2 has the first data domain storing the map data and the second data domain storing the detailed data, and when themes are increased/decreased, the detailed data stored in the second data domain are changed without changing the map data stored in the first data domain. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium that records map information used in a navigation device, a personal computer, or the like that performs various processes such as map display and route search.

In general, an in-vehicle navigation device detects a current position of a vehicle and displays a map image in the vicinity thereof, a map display function for displaying a map image around an arbitrary place on a screen, a departure point and a destination point. And a route search / guidance function for guiding the vehicle according to the route obtained by the search operation. In such various functions, as a typical method when a user searches for a desired facility or the like and designates it as a route search destination, (1) on the screen according to the user's operation There are a method of designating a desired facility after scrolling the map and displaying it on the screen, and (2) a method of displaying a list of facilities by genre and selecting and designating the desired facility from among them. is there.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-102051

  By the way, in a conventional navigation device, when a desired facility or the like is designated as a route search destination, the closest location to the coordinates is based on the coordinates (latitude / longitude) on the map of the designated facility. I was searching for the route to the road, but I did not consider the restrictions on turning left and right when actually getting out of the starting point, and restricting turning left and right when entering the destination. Therefore, it is impossible to perform an appropriate route search considering the case of escaping from the departure place or the case of entering the destination, and it cannot be said that it is easy to use.

  For example, if a road passes through both sides of the target facility, and there is a vehicle entrance to this facility only on one road, if the distance between the other road and the facility is closer, the other road Is guided as the vicinity of the destination of the guidance route, it may be necessary to find the vehicle entrance / exit of the destination after arriving at this point. There are also cases where there is a destination on the right side of the traveling direction and the vehicle cannot turn right due to a median or the like, or there are many lanes on the opposite lane, and it is chronically congested and it is not easy to turn right. Similarly, when the facility is set as the departure point, restrictions on turning left and right are not taken into consideration.Therefore, when a guidance route for turning right after exiting the vehicle entrance / exit is set, the road adjacent to the vehicle entrance / exit There may be a median and you cannot turn right, or there are many lanes on the opposite lane that you are trying to cross, and there are cases where it is not easy to turn right.

  In addition, a method for displaying a list of facilities by genre and selecting a desired facility from the list is not only for selecting a destination for route search but also for a facility (for example, a convenience store that you want to stop by) This is also used when simply searching for a user's case. However, in the conventional navigation device, when the nearest facility is searched by specifying the genre, the facility of a specific genre is searched in order of the straight line distance centered on the own vehicle position, and along the current driving road of the vehicle. Whether or not it was considered. Therefore, even when the nearest facility searched in this way is guided, it is not always that the facility that is easy to go to is guided and it is not easy to use.

  In addition, in a conventional navigation device, for example, when it is desired to perform a route search that avoids the entire area, such as a downtown area or a resort, or on the contrary, a route search that designates the area as a destination is performed. It cannot be said that it is easy to use for users who cannot go or obtain guidance information for such areas and desire route search and guidance for such a general purpose. Therefore, if such a route search is to be performed, it is necessary to set a waypoint included in a specific area, or on the contrary, to set a waypoint that avoids the specific area, and the operation becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been created in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device capable of improving usability and a computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the computer-readable recording medium on which the map information of the present invention is recorded is set in units of map leaves divided by longitude and latitude, and is necessary for display and route search. And map information including detailed data of a facility set in units of a predetermined area specified by designating a plurality of intersections and corresponding to a predetermined theme. The first data area in which map data is stored and the second data area in which detailed data is stored are provided separately. When the theme increases or decreases, the first data area is stored in the first data area. The detailed data stored in the second data area can be changed without changing the map data.

  Perform normal navigation operations by reading map data in units of map leaves, and other navigation operations using detailed data by theme with a specific area specified using a plurality of specified intersections. Therefore, it is easy to create map information that can meet the user's request. For this reason, usability improves for the user who purchases this recording medium and performs navigation processing. In addition, since the first data area for storing the map data and the second data area for storing the detailed data are separated, the map data is changed when the recording medium is changed to increase or decrease only the detailed data. There is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the cost by reducing the design effort for the recording medium designing, manufacturing and selling side.

  In particular, the detailed data described above is information that specifies at least one of an entrance intersection suitable for entry into each facility and an exit intersection suitable for exit corresponding to each of one or more facilities included in the predetermined area. It is desirable to include. The detailed data described above preferably includes information on the vehicle entrance / exit of each facility corresponding to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. Since it is possible to know the approach intersection, exit intersection, and vehicle entrance corresponding to the facility, it becomes possible to perform navigation processing such as route search in consideration of actual road conditions using this information, and this recording medium was used. Usability of the navigation device and the like can be improved.

  Further, it is desirable that the detailed data described above includes information for identifying the nearest road that is in contact with the vehicle entrance / exit of each facility corresponding to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. For each facility, it is possible to know the nearest roads that can enter and exit these facilities, so it is possible to easily extract only the facilities that exist along the road on which the vehicle travels. Usability of a navigation device using a medium can be improved.

  Hereinafter, a navigation device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall Configuration of Navigation Device FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The navigation device shown in FIG. 1 includes a navigation controller 1 that controls the whole, a DVD 2 that records map information necessary for map display, route search, and the like, a disk reader 3 that reads map information recorded on the DVD 2, A remote control (remote control) unit 4 as an operation unit for a user to input various instructions, a GPS receiver 5 and an autonomous navigation sensor 6 for detecting the vehicle position and vehicle direction, a map image, a guidance route, and the like Is displayed, and an audio unit 8 that outputs a predetermined guidance voice when performing route guidance or the like.

  The disk reader 3 described above can be loaded with one or a plurality of DVDs 2 and reads map information from any of the DVDs 2 under the control of the navigation controller 1. The loaded disc is not necessarily a DVD but may be a CD. Further, both DVD and CD may be selectively loaded.

  The remote control unit 4 includes a search key for giving a route search instruction, a route guidance mode key used for setting a route guidance mode, a destination input key, up / down / left / right cursor keys, a map reduction / enlargement key, and a cursor on the display screen. Various operation keys such as a setting key for determining an item at a position are provided, and an infrared signal corresponding to the operation state of the key is transmitted to the navigation controller 1.

  The GPS receiver 5 receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites, performs a three-dimensional positioning process or a two-dimensional positioning process, and calculates the absolute position and direction of the vehicle (the vehicle direction is determined by the current vehicle). Calculated based on the position and the vehicle position before one sampling time ΔT), and these are output together with the positioning time. The autonomous navigation sensor 6 includes an angle sensor such as a vibration gyro that detects the vehicle rotation angle as a relative direction, and a distance sensor that outputs one pulse for each predetermined travel distance. Calculate the bearing.

  Based on the drawing data output from the navigation controller 1, the display device 7 displays a map image around the host vehicle together with a vehicle position mark, a departure point mark, a destination mark, and the like, and guide routes and intersections on the map. Display guidance information and so on. The audio unit 8 outputs various voices such as a guidance voice about an intersection where the vehicle is approaching.

(2) Contents of map information recorded on DVD 2 Next, details of the map information recorded on DVD 2 will be described. The map information recorded on the DVD 2 designates a plurality of intersections regardless of the size of the map data and the map data whose contents are set in units of rectangular shape leaves separated by a predetermined longitude and latitude. And detailed data whose contents are set in units of a predetermined area specified by the above.

(2-1) Map data Map data whose contents are set in units of each leaf can be specified and read by designating the leaf number. The map data for each map leaf includes (1) a drawing unit composed of various data necessary for map display, and (2) a road composed of data necessary for various processes such as map matching, route search, and route guidance. A unit and (3) an intersection unit comprising detailed data such as an intersection are included.

  The road unit includes data necessary for various processes such as map matching, route search, and route guidance for each road. In the road unit, a line connecting any two points on the road is called a link, and an adjacent point connecting two or more links is called a node. The road unit includes data such as the road attribute of the link, the cost required for passing the link, and the latitude / longitude of the node.

  The intersection unit is composed of detailed data of the intersection. For example, the intersection unit includes data such as the latitude / longitude of the intersection, the number of lanes, and a character string of a name.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic content of the road unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the road unit includes a unit header for identifying the road unit, a connection node table storing detailed data of all nodes, and a node table indicating the storage position of the connection node table; And a link table storing detailed data of links specified by two adjacent nodes.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating detailed contents of various tables included in the road unit. As shown in FIG. 3A, the node table stores node records # 0, # 1,... Corresponding to all the nodes included in the drawing of interest. Each node record is given a node number from # 0 in the order of arrangement, and indicates the storage position of the connection node table corresponding to each node.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the connection node table is provided for each existing node.
a. Normalized longitude / latitude,
b. Intersection node flag indicating whether or not this node is an intersection node, adjacent node flag indicating whether or not the node is at the boundary with another figure, whether or not the link is branched at this node, branch If so, a “node attribute flag” including branching path information indicating whether the shape of the branch corresponds to a T-junction or a Y-junction,
c. "Number of connected nodes" indicating the number of nodes that constitute the other end of each link when there is a link that has this node as one end of the link,
d. If the link connected to this node has traffic restrictions such as right turn prohibition or U turn prohibition, the "number of traffic restrictions"
e. Connection node records for the number of links indicating the link number of each link where this node is one end,
f. A traffic regulation record showing the specific contents of the traffic regulation corresponding to the number of traffic regulations mentioned above,
g. If this node is a node at the boundary with another leaf, an “adjacent node record” indicating the position of the connection node table of the corresponding node in the adjacent leaf,
h. If this node is an intersection node, the storage location and size of the corresponding intersection record in the intersection unit;
Etc. are included.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, the link table includes a plurality of link records in the order of link numbers corresponding to all the links included in the drawing of interest. Each of these link records
a. Link ID, which is a code attached to each link mainly for the search route display,
b. Node number 1 and node number 2 identifying two nodes located at both ends of the link,
c. Link distance,
d. The cost of driving this link,
e. Various road attribute flags including road attribute information (such as one-way traffic) attached to this link,
f. A road type flag indicating the road width such as whether the actual road corresponding to this link is a highway or a general road, how many meters the road is wide,
g. The route number given to the road corresponding to this link,
Etc. are included.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection unit. As shown in FIG. 4, the intersection unit constitutes an intersection for each intersection, an intersection record including data regarding the intersection itself, an intersection direction information record including data regarding a road destination extending from the intersection, and the like. An intersection lane information record including data relating to each lane of the road is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection record. As shown in FIG. 5, each intersection record corresponds to each of the existing intersections,
a. "Intersection information flag" consisting of a signal flag indicating whether or not there is a signal at this intersection,
b. "Number of intersections" indicating how many differences this intersection is,
c. Display coordinates when displaying the intersection name,
d. Intersection name string to be displayed,
e. The storage location of the link ID of each link constituting this intersection and the intersection direction information record corresponding to this link (for the number of intersection differences),
Etc. are included.

(2-2) Detailed data The detailed data set for each predetermined area specified by designating a plurality of intersections relates to facilities corresponding to a predetermined theme, and the user is interested. Or the contents which a user wants even if paying a price are assumed. As the theme to be set, “business district”, “festival”, “autumn leaves hunting”, “natural scenery” and the like are set. Note that the map data and detailed data described above are stored separately in different storage areas of the DVD 2, and when the corresponding detailed data increases or decreases as the theme increases or decreases, the map data contents and storage location are changed. The content of the detailed data can be changed without changing it. Therefore, the manufacturer and seller of the DVD 2 in which the map information is stored can minimize the range of the design change when increasing or decreasing the theme by changing the specification according to the request of the DVD 2 purchaser. In addition, the DVD 2 in which only map data is stored is generally marketed, and the labor for designing the DVD 2 including detailed data prepared for each manufacturer and distributor of the navigation device is greatly reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the predetermined area set corresponding to each theme. As shown in the figure, for example, the location range of a downtown area where various restaurants such as restaurants are concentrated is set as a downtown area 200 as shown by hatching. Similarly, the range in which the autumnal leaf hunting can be enjoyed is set as the autumnal leaf hunting region 210 as indicated by hatching. The same applies to other themes. A predetermined area based on each theme is set such that the area where the festival is held is the festival area, and the area where the beautiful natural scenery can be appreciated is the natural scenery area. The predetermined area corresponding to each theme is set by specifying a plurality of intersections and specifying the outer periphery thereof. The intersection necessary for designating the predetermined area includes a pseudo intersection. A pseudo intersection is a point where a point corresponding to an appropriate longitude and latitude is treated as a pseudo intersection when an intersection cannot be designated. For example, when the back side of a station becomes a coastline immediately, a point on the coastline is treated as a pseudo intersection when specifying a predetermined area including the station.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of detailed data set for each theme. As shown in the figure, detailed data corresponding to one theme includes a header information table, an entrance / exit coordinate point table, an interpolation coordinate point table, an area data table, a road data table, an area outer periphery coordinate point table, an intersection data table, Includes intersection name table, intersection image table, intersection restriction table, bookstore data table, movie data table, parking lot data table, meeting place data table, theater performance data table, toilet data table, ATM data table, facility image table ing.

(2-2-1) Header Information Table FIG. 8 shows the detailed contents of the header information table. The header information table is used as an index for detailed data.
a. Facility ID that identifies each facility,
b. Theme type indicating the theme (for example, “business center”) corresponding to the area to which this facility belongs,
c. An area number that is a serial number (for example, downtown area # 0, # 1, # 2,...) Assigned to each theme corresponding to this area,
d. Facility type indicating the genre to which this facility belongs, such as parking lot, movie theater, bank, etc.
e. Name string of facility and name reading kana string,
f. Facility telephone number or postal code g. A state code indicating the state or province to which the facility is located,
h. City code that indicates the city where the facility is located,
i. The address string of the location of the facility, and the address reading kana string,
j. Image presence / absence flag indicating presence / absence of facility image file,
k. Acquisition coordinates indicating the location of the facility in latitude and longitude,
l. A neighborhood search flag that indicates whether it is inappropriate to enter the facility by vehicle,
Etc. are included.

  In this embodiment, if it is inappropriate to go to the facility by car because the location of the facility faces an arcade street, etc., instead of providing route guidance to the facility In addition, the nearby parking lots around this facility are searched. In order to perform such processing, whether or not it is necessary to search for a parking lot near the facility is specified by the above-described “surrounding search flag”. For facilities where this flag is set, a nearby parking lot is automatically searched when searching for a route, and the searched parking lot is set as a destination.

(2-2-2) Entrance / Exit Coordinate Point Table FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the entrance / exit coordinate point table. The entry / exit coordinate point table is for storing information when entering or exiting each facility, and for each facility,
a. Facility ID,
b. A serial number, which is a number assigned to all vehicle entrances and exits of the facility of interest,
c. Entrance / exit coordinates indicating vehicle entrance / exit in latitude / longitude,
d. Nearest road ID used to identify the road (nearest road) that the vehicle doorway touches,
e. The approaching intersection ID used to identify the approaching intersection,
f. Escape intersection ID used to identify the escape intersection,
Etc. are included.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between entrance / exit coordinates, entrance intersections, exit intersections, and facilities included in the entrance / exit coordinate point table shown in FIG. 9.

  In this embodiment, for each facility, (1) “acquisition coordinates” indicating the location of the facility, (2) “entrance / exit coordinates” indicating the position on the nearest road when entering / exiting the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility, (3) Four points are specified: an “entry intersection” indicating an intersection suitable for entering the facility, and an “escape intersection” indicating (4) an intersection suitable for exiting from the facility.

  Of the four points described above, (1) the acquired coordinates are used for searching the nearest facility that has been conventionally performed, and are included in the map data. Accordingly, the other (2) entrance / exit coordinates, (3) approach intersection, and (4) exit intersection are included in the detailed data of the map information.

  In addition, the approach intersection and the escape intersection described above are basically set so that the vehicle can turn left and enter the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility, and escape from the vehicle entrance / exit by a left turn. However, if there are traffic restrictions such as one-way on the road that passes in front of the facility and you cannot enter or exit by turning left at the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility, depending on the situation, you may enter the appropriate intersection. And an escape intersection is set. If there are a plurality of vehicle entrances / exits in the facility, (2) entrance / exit coordinates, (3) entry intersection, and (4) exit intersection are set corresponding to each vehicle entrance.

  As in the past, (1) when only the acquired coordinates are used, the route search to the adjacent road is performed without considering the position of the vehicle entrance and exit, so the route is guided to the vicinity of the destination Even then, the user himself / herself sometimes had to search for the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility. However, in the present embodiment, the travel route can be reliably set up to the approach intersection by route search. In addition, by setting a route connecting the position specified by the approach intersection and the entrance / exit coordinates, the route can be reliably guided to the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility. In particular, when searching for a route to the vehicle entrance / exit of the facility in this way, since the route search is performed including the entrance intersection and the exit intersection set in consideration of the traveling direction at the time of entry or exit, for example, In addition, it is possible to set a route that is easy to travel by avoiding as much as possible making a right turn on a road with a large amount of vehicle traffic and entering or exiting various facilities.

(2-2-3) Interpolated coordinate point table Depending on the facility, there is a case where the vehicle goes back and forth through a narrow street branched from a road to be searched for a route. In such a case, even if the above-described (2) entrance / exit coordinates are set on the road to be searched for, it is not clear how to travel ahead to reach the facility. There is. For this purpose, an interpolation coordinate point table is prepared.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the interpolation coordinate point table. The interpolation coordinate point table is for specifying one or a plurality of interpolation coordinate points set on a narrow street connecting between the facility and the corresponding entrance / exit coordinates, and for each facility,
a. Facility ID,
b. serial number,
c. The longitude of the interpolated coordinate point,
d. The latitude of the interpolation coordinate point is included. When there are a plurality of interpolation coordinate points, the number of interpolation coordinate points is set by combining the longitude and latitude of the interpolation coordinate points. In addition, when there is a facility adjacent to a road to be searched for, there is no interpolation coordinate point corresponding to the facility, so the interpolation coordinate point table itself shown in FIG. 11 does not exist.

(2-2-4) Facility Image Table FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the facility image table. The facility image table is for storing image information in addition to text information when performing detailed guidance on facilities, etc.
a. Facility ID,
b. A serial number attached to the image prepared for the facility of interest,
c. Image file,
Is included. There may be a plurality of image files. When there is no image file corresponding to the facility of interest, the facility image table itself shown in FIG. 12 does not exist.

(2-2-5) Area Data Table FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the detailed contents of the area data table. The area data table stores rough information for each predetermined area set corresponding to each theme, and for each area,
a. Area ID, which is index information attached for information retrieval,
b. Theme type that indicates the theme corresponding to the area (for example, “business district”),
c. Representative point coordinates (latitude / longitude) indicating the location of the intersection that will be the representative point of the area,
d. Guidance timing information indicating the timing in time, such as the time, date, day of the week, time zone, etc. when the guidance operation using the detailed data corresponding to this area is effective,
e. A symbol image file that stores an image that is a symbol of the region (for example, an autumnal leaf mark in the case of an “autumn leaf hunting region”),
f. Area outline information consisting of image data, audio data, etc. to explain the outline of the area,
Etc. are included.

(2-2-6) Area Perimeter Coordinate Point Table FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the detailed contents of the area perimeter coordinate point table. The area outer periphery coordinate point table is for storing information defining the outer periphery of the region, and for each region,
a. Area ID,
b. A serial number assigned to each of a plurality of intersections defining the outer periphery of the area,
c. An intersection ID that identifies each of a plurality of intersections that define the outer periphery of the region is included. As described above, each area is defined by specifying a plurality of intersections and specifying the outer periphery thereof. In addition, these intersections include pseudo intersections.

(2-2-7) Road Data Table FIG. 15 shows the detailed contents of the road data table. The road data table is for storing detailed information of roads in the area, and for each road,
a. Road ID which is common index information,
b. Start intersection ID and end intersection ID identifying two intersections located at both ends of the road,
c. A median flag indicating the presence or absence of a median strip,
e. Employment name character string indicating a name (for example, “XX street”) assigned to the road, and adoption name reading kana character string,
f. Various regulations corresponding to roads, specifically, the date, day of the week, the time, and the date and time of regulation, the day and time of regulation, the day of the regulation, the regulation time, the regulation vehicle type,
Etc. are included. These pieces of information about roads were partially included in the conventional map data, but in this embodiment, when creating detailed data for each area, the investigator actually conducted an investigation on each road, It is set based on the result. This point is the same for other various data. For example, regarding the entrance / exit coordinates, the entrance intersection, and the exit intersection included in the entrance / exit coordinate point table described above, the investigator actually examines the surroundings of the facility and generates these data.

(2-2-8) Intersection Data Table FIG. 16 is a diagram showing detailed contents of the intersection data table. The intersection data table is for storing detailed information of intersections in the area, and for each intersection,
a. Intersection ID which is common index information,
b. An intersection type indicating whether this intersection corresponds to the outer periphery of the area,
c. Intersection name classification used to specify an intersection name table including intersection names etc. d. An intersection image segment used to identify an intersection image table that includes an image of the intersection,
e. An intersection restriction category used to identify an intersection restriction table containing restriction information about the intersection;
f. The number of intersection shapes indicating the number of links constituting the intersection is included.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection restriction table. The intersection restriction table is for storing various kinds of restriction information, and for each intersection,
a. Intersection ID,
b. An entry source intersection ID that identifies other intersections that can enter this intersection,
c. Escape prohibition intersection ID that identifies an intersection that is prohibited from entering from this intersection,
d. Various regulations corresponding to intersections, specifically the date, day of the week, time, and vehicle types that restrict traffic, the date and time of regulation, the day of the regulation, the time of regulation, the type of car
Etc. are included.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection name table. The intersection name table is for storing information for identifying the name of the intersection, and for each intersection,
a. Intersection ID,
b. Entering intersection ID,
c. Intersection name string, name-reading kana string,
Etc. are included.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the intersection image table. The intersection image table is for storing an image or the like actually taken of the intersection, and for each intersection,
a. Intersection ID,
b. Image type indicating the content of the image,
c. An image file containing the actual image data,
It is included. When there are a plurality of image data, there are as many image types and image files as the number of image data. Further, for an intersection where no image data exists, the intersection image data table itself shown in FIG. 19 does not exist.

(2-2-9) Parking Lot Data Table FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the detailed contents of the parking lot data table. The parking lot data table is for storing detailed information of each parking lot existing in the area, and for each parking lot,
a. Parking ID that is common index information,
b. Parking lot type indicating the type of parking lot, such as whether it is unmanned or manned, or whether it is time rental,
c. Vehicle restrictions that indicate whether or not there are restrictions on medium-sized cars and 1 box cars
d. Opening and closing times,
e. Regular holiday,
f. Price,
g. The number of acceptable parking,
Etc. are included.

  The contents of the tables (bookstore data table, movie data table, meeting place data table, theater performance data table, toilet data table, ATM data table) for each other facility included in the detailed data of this embodiment are basic. It is the same as the contents of the parking lot data table, and detailed information specific to the facility is stored. The types of these tables are appropriately increased or decreased for each theme, and the same table is not necessarily provided for every theme. For example, in the case of the theme “autumn leaf hunting”, the bookstore data table, movie data table, and theater theater data table are excluded.

(3) Detailed Configuration of Navigation Controller Next, the detailed configuration of the navigation controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The navigation controller 1 displays on the display device 7 a map buffer 10 for displaying a map image around the vehicle position, intersection guidance information including lane guidance at the intersection, information on various areas, etc., a map reading control unit 12, a map A drawing unit 14, a VRAM 16, an intersection guide unit 18, an area guide unit 20, an image composition unit 22, a vehicle for performing calculation of the vehicle position, map matching processing, route search processing, route guidance processing and displaying the results The position calculation unit 30, the route search processing unit 32, the guidance route memory 34, the guidance route drawing unit 38, the mark image drawing unit 40, various operation screens for the user, and operation instructions from the remote control unit 4 are displayed on each unit. Remote control unit 60 for transmitting, cursor position calculation unit 62, operation screen generation unit 64, and user operation instructions Flip and and a search processing unit 66 that performs a search process, such as facility information.

  The map buffer 10 temporarily stores map data read from the DVD 2 by the disk reader 3. When the vehicle position calculation unit 30 calculates the own vehicle position, the map reading control unit 12 sends a read request for map data in a predetermined range including the own vehicle position to the disk reading device 3, and the map necessary for map display Data is read from the DVD 2 and stored in the map buffer 10.

  The map drawing unit 14 creates map drawing data necessary for display based on a drawing unit included in the map data stored in the map buffer 10. The created map drawing data is stored in the VRAM 16.

  The intersection guide unit 18 performs guidance at an intersection where the vehicle is approaching with a display image and sound, and when the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from an intersection in front of the guidance route, A guide map (intersection enlarged view, destination, travel direction arrow) of the approaching intersection is displayed on the screen of the display device 7 and the travel direction is guided by voice through the audio unit 8.

  The area guide unit 20 performs guidance regarding various areas by display images and voices, and displays predetermined guidance images on the screen of the display device 7 for various areas that are within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position. A predetermined guidance voice is output through the audio unit 8.

  The image composition unit 22 includes the map drawing data read from the VRAM 16, the intersection guide unit 18, the area guide unit 20, the guidance route drawing unit 38, the mark image drawing unit 40, the operation screen generation unit 64, and the search processing unit 66. The output drawing data is overlapped to perform image synthesis, and the combined drawing data is output to the display device 7.

  The vehicle position calculation unit 30 calculates the vehicle position based on the detection data of the GPS receiver 5 and the autonomous navigation sensor 6, and if the calculated vehicle position is not on the road of the map data, the vehicle position calculation unit 30 calculates the vehicle position. A map matching process for correcting the position is performed. The route search processing unit 32 searches for a travel route that connects a preset destination and departure place under a predetermined condition. For example, a travel route that minimizes the cost under various conditions such as the shortest distance and the shortest time is set as the guide route. As a typical method of route search, Dijkstra method and horizontal search method are known. The guidance route set by the route search processing unit 32 in this way is represented as a set of nodes {NS, N1, N2,..., ND} from the departure point to the destination and stored in the guidance route memory 34. .

  The guide route drawing unit 38 selects, from the guide route data set by the route search processing unit 32 and stored in the guide route memory 34, the one included in the map area drawn in the VRAM 16 at that time, and guide route The guide route drawing data for displaying on the map image is created. The mark image drawing unit 40 generates drawing data for generating a vehicle position mark at the own vehicle position after the map matching processing or generating a cursor mark having a predetermined shape.

  The search processing unit 66 performs a search process for facility information, area information, and the like in accordance with a user operation instruction. Specific operations of the search processing unit 66 will be described later.

  The DVD 2 described above corresponds to the map data storage means, and the navigation controller 1, the GPS receiver 5, the autonomous navigation sensor 6, the display device 7, and the audio unit 8 correspond to the navigation processing means. The DVD 2 corresponds to a computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded.

(4) Operation of Navigation Device The navigation device of the present embodiment has such a configuration, and next, some examples of navigation operations realized by using the detailed data included in the map information described above. Will be described.

(4-1) Information Guidance Operation for Various Areas FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation apparatus when guiding information concerning various areas approaching within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position. The operation content performed in the guide unit 20 is described.

  The area guide unit 20 acquires the current vehicle position output from the vehicle position calculation unit 30 and refers to the representative point coordinates (latitude and longitude) of each area included in the area data table stored in the map buffer 10. Thus, it is determined whether or not there are various areas within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position (step 100). While there are no various regions within a predetermined distance from the own vehicle position, the determination operation in step 100 is repeated.

  If there are various areas within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position, an affirmative determination is made in step 100, and then the area guide unit 20 determines whether it is the timing for guiding various information about the corresponding area. (Step 101). Specifically, as described above, the area data table stores preset timings such as the time to be guided, the date and time, the day of the week, and the time zone according to the theme of each area. It is possible to determine whether or not it is the guidance timing by acquiring these pieces of information. For example, if the corresponding area is “autumn leaf hunting area”, the time to be guided is set as, for example, October to November, and if the date falls in October to November, the guidance timing is set. It is determined that

  Next, the area guide unit 20 determines whether or not the various areas are set to be highlighted on the map image (step 102). Note that whether or not to highlight various areas is set in advance by the user at the start of operation, for example.

  If it is set to highlight, an affirmative determination is made in step 102, and the area guide unit 20 performs a process of highlighting the corresponding area (step 103). Specifically, the area guide unit 20 reads out the outer coordinate point corresponding to the corresponding area, and instructs the map drawing unit 14 to create drawing data in which the area on the map corresponding to the outer coordinate point is emphasized. To do. In addition, the area guide unit 20 reads the symbol image file of the corresponding area, and draws the symbol image on the map image. A specific display example will be described later.

  When a negative determination is made in step 102 described above, or when the operation shown in step 103 described above is performed, the area guide unit 20 determines whether or not it is set to perform guidance regarding various regions ( Step 104). Whether or not to provide guidance regarding these various areas is also set in advance by the user at the start of driving or the like.

  If it is set to guide the area, an affirmative determination is made in step 104, and the area guide unit 20 reads the “area outline” in the area data table, and based on this, information on the corresponding area is obtained. Guidance is provided by voice or the like (step 105). Then, the area guide part 20 returns to step 100 mentioned above, and repeats subsequent processes.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example when various regions existing within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position are highlighted. For example, if an “autumn leaf hunting area” exists within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position and the timing matches the guidance timing in mid-October, etc., the autumn hunting area is highlighted as shown by hatching in FIG. Is done. In addition, when a setting for performing guidance regarding the corresponding area is made, a guidance voice such as “There is a region with beautiful autumn leaves” is output.

(4-2) Route Search Operation Considering Various Areas FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation apparatus when performing a route search operation considering various areas, and is mainly performed in the route search processing unit 32. The operation content is explained.

  The route search processing unit 32 determines whether a departure point, a destination, or the like has been set and an instruction to perform a route search has been given (step 200). While the route search instruction is not given, the determination process in step 200 is repeated.

  When a route search instruction is given, an affirmative determination is made in step 200 described above, and is the route search processing unit 32 set to automatically avoid various areas when performing route search and perform route search processing? It is determined whether or not (step 201). If it is not set to automatically avoid various areas, a negative determination is made in step 201, and the route search processing unit 32 performs route search processing according to the departure place and destination set by the user. Perform (step 202).

  Next, the route search processing unit 32 determines whether or not various regions exist on the obtained guidance route (step 203). If there are various areas, an affirmative determination is made in step 203, and the route search processing unit 32 outputs information regarding the various areas existing on the guidance route to the operation screen generating unit 64. The operation screen generating unit 64 reads information such as the types of various areas and name character strings from the map buffer 10 and displays a list of various areas existing on the guidance route (step 204).

  Next, the route search processing unit 32 determines whether or not the user has specified to avoid the area for some or all of the various areas (step 205). If avoidance designation is made for various areas, an affirmative determination is made in step 205, and the route search processing unit 32 searches again for a guidance route that avoids this area around the area designated by the user ( Step 206).

  When an instruction indicating that there is no area to be specified for avoidance is given (No in Step 205), or when a guidance route search is performed by the processing shown in Step 206 described above, the route search processing unit 32 performs route search. The result is stored in the guide route memory 34 (step 207).

  If the setting for automatically avoiding the various areas is made, an affirmative determination is made in step 201 described above, and the route search processing unit 32 performs the route search processing so as to avoid the various areas. The route search result is stored in the guidance route memory 34 (step 207).

  Thereafter, a map image of a predetermined range including the starting point and the destination is drawn by the map drawing unit 14, and the guidance route drawing unit 38 highlights the guidance route on the map image, thereby displaying the route search result. Is performed (step 209), and a series of route search processing ends.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a route search result. In the figure, the area indicated by hatching near the center of the screen is the “town area”, and traffic congestion frequently occurs, so the route search obtained by avoiding this “town area” The example of a display of a result is shown. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily perform processing such as searching for a route that avoids the entire region where traffic congestion frequently occurs for various preset regions. Can be searched efficiently.

(4-3) Operation for Searching Various Areas FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation device when searching for various areas.

  The operation screen generating unit 64 determines whether or not an instruction to perform area search has been given (step 300), and when an instruction to perform area search is given, a predetermined area search screen is displayed. Specifically, themes of various areas (“business district”, “autumn leaf picking”, “festival”, etc.) are displayed on the screen.

  Next, the search processing unit 66 determines whether or not a theme to be searched is specified (step 301). When a theme is specified, an affirmative determination is made in step 301, and the search processing unit 66 searches for an area corresponding to the specified theme (step 302) and displays the search result (step 303). Specifically, when the theme is designated as “business district”, as the corresponding search results, for example, areas such as Ginza, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, etc. are obtained as search results, and these are listed. Displayed as search results.

  Also, one of the list items is highlighted, and one of the list items is selected by operating the cursor key provided on the remote control unit 4 to move the highlighted display area up and down (step 304).

  Next, the area guide unit 20 determines whether or not an instruction to display a map around the selected area has been given (step 305). When an instruction to display a map around the area is given, the area guide unit 20 performs a process for displaying a map around the area. Specifically, the area guide unit 20 reads the representative point coordinates of the corresponding area, and instructs the map readout control unit 12 to read the map data of the leaf including the representative point coordinates. As a result, the leaf including the corresponding area is read out, and the corresponding map image is drawn by the map drawing unit 14 and stored in the VRAM 16. Thereafter, the area guide unit 20 reads out the outer peripheral coordinate point of the corresponding area, and instructs the map drawing unit 14 to create drawing data in which the area on the map corresponding to the outer peripheral coordinate point is emphasized. As a result, a map image in which the corresponding area is highlighted is displayed on the screen of the display device 7 (step 306). Thereafter, the process returns to step 304, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If no instruction to display a map around the area is given, a negative determination is made in step 305 described above, and whether the area guide unit 20 has been instructed to display information about the selected area. Is determined (step 307).

  When instructed to display information related to the area, the area guide unit 20 reads “area outline” and the like from the area data table corresponding to the corresponding area, and displays information related to the area based on this (Step S20). 308). Specifically, the area guide unit 20 creates drawing data for displaying information and outputs the drawing data to the image composition unit 22. Thereafter, the process returns to step 304, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If an instruction to display information about the area is not given, a negative determination is made in step 307 described above, and the area guide unit 20 instructs to select the selected area as the destination of the route search process. It is determined whether or not it has been made (step 309). If an instruction to make the destination of the route search process is given, an affirmative determination is made in step 309, and the area guide unit 20 reads the representative point coordinates of the corresponding area, and uses this position as the destination for the route search process. The route search processing unit 32 is instructed to perform Upon receiving the instruction, the route search processing unit 32 obtains the current vehicle position output from the vehicle position calculation unit 30 as a departure point, and connects the departure point and the destination received from the area guide unit 20. A predetermined route searching process is performed to search for (step 310). Thereafter, the process returns to step 300, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If no instruction is made to designate the selected area as the destination of the route search process, a negative determination is made in step 309 described above, and the search processing unit 66 then ends the area search process. It is determined whether or not an instruction has been issued (step 311). If no instruction is given to end the area search process, a negative determination is made in step 311, the process returns to step 304 described above, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If an instruction to end the area search process is given, an affirmative determination is made in step 311, and the operation screen generating unit 64 ends the display of the area search screen. Thereafter, the process returns to step 300 described above, and the subsequent processing is repeated. In this way, since a specific area is set as the destination, a route for preferentially traveling in this area is set.

(4-4) Route Search Processing with Various Facilities as Destinations or Departures FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation apparatus when performing route search processing with various facilities as destinations.

  The route search processing unit 32 determines whether various facilities are set as the destination of the route search processing (step 400).

  When various facilities are set as destinations, the route search processing unit 32 reads the approach intersection ID corresponding to the set facilities (step 401), and sets the intersection specified by the approach intersection ID as a temporary destination. (Step 402).

  The route search processing unit 32 obtains the current vehicle position from the vehicle position calculation unit 30, and performs route search processing from the current vehicle position to the entry intersection as a temporary destination. Step 403), the guidance route data obtained as a result (a list of passing intersection nodes) is stored in the guidance route memory 34 as guidance route data (step 404).

  Next, the route search processing unit 32 reads the entrance / exit coordinates (longitude, latitude) corresponding to the facility set as the destination (step 405), and determines the vehicle entrance / exit specified by these coordinates as the final route search. The destination is set and stored in the guide route memory 34 (step 406).

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 34. As shown in the figure, it is entering the intersection N _in the set as the destination of the temporary facilities of the vehicle doorway N _en is set as a further final destination that follows. Therefore, if a predetermined route guidance operation is performed according to the guidance route set in this way, when going to various facilities, it will surely reach the vehicle entrance after passing through the entrance intersection associated with the facility. The route that can be done will be guided.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the navigation apparatus when performing route search processing with various facilities as the departure point.

  The route search processing unit 32 determines whether or not various facilities are set as the starting point of the route search processing (step 500).

  When various facilities are set as departure points, the route search processing unit 32 reads out the escape intersection ID corresponding to the set facility (step 501), and sets the intersection specified by the escape intersection ID as a temporary departure point. (Step 502).

  Further, the route search processing unit 32 acquires a destination set by the user, performs a route search from the temporary departure point to the destination described above (step 503), and obtains the guidance route data obtained as a result. The guidance route data is stored in the guidance route memory 34 (step 504).

  Next, the route search processing unit 32 reads the entrance / exit coordinates (longitude, latitude) corresponding to the facility set as the departure place (step 505), and uses the vehicle entrance / exit specified by these coordinates as the original departure of the route search. The ground is set and stored in the guide route memory 34 (step 506).

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 34. As shown in the figure, it is set escape intersection N _ot as a departure point for temporary, it vehicle doorway N _en of the facility, which is the original departure point is set to one before. Therefore, when a predetermined route guidance operation is performed according to the guidance route set in this way, a vehicle departing from various facilities can surely pass through the escape intersection after passing through the vehicle entrance.

(4-5) Retrieval operation of facility information using a road as a keyword In the present embodiment, information on a road adjacent to the facility is stored in the nearest road ID in the entrance / exit coordinate point table. By using the facility information, the facility information can be searched using the road as a keyword. Specifically, for example, (1) a road on which the vehicle is traveling, (2) a guidance route at the time of route guidance, and the like can be specified, and information on facilities existing along the road can be searched.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation device when searching for facility information using a road as a keyword. The operation screen generator 64 determines whether or not an instruction to search for facility information has been given (step 600). When an instruction to search for facility information is given, a predetermined facility information search screen is displayed. indicate.

  Next, the search processing unit 66 determines whether or not a road to be searched is specified (step 601). Specifically, as described above, roads to be searched include (1) a road on which the vehicle is traveling, and (2) a guidance route when route guidance is being performed. Note that by designating a road name or the like, the user may arbitrarily designate a road to be searched.

  When the road to be searched is designated by the user, an affirmative determination is made in step 601, and then the search processing unit 66 searches for facilities existing along the designated road (step 602), and the search result is obtained. It is displayed (step 603). Specifically, for example, if a road on which the host vehicle is running is designated, the search processing unit 66 acquires the host vehicle position from the vehicle position calculation unit 30 and is stored in the map buffer 10. A road on which the vehicle is traveling is specified based on link information included in the map data. And the search process part 66 searches the facility which exists along this road by searching the nearest road ID in an entrance / exit coordinate point table based on the specified road. Similarly, if the guidance route at the time of route guidance is designated as a road to be searched, the search processing unit 66 acquires the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 34 via the route search processing unit 32. By doing so, the guidance route is specified, and the facilities existing along this guidance route are searched.

  Also, one of the search result items is highlighted, and one of the facilities is selected by moving the highlighted display area up and down by operating the cursor key provided on the remote control unit 4 (step 604). If any of the facilities is designated, an affirmative determination is made in step 604, and the search processing unit 66 acquires detailed information corresponding to the corresponding facility and displays the facility information (step 605). Specifically, the search processing unit 66 reads out image data for displaying information from the image file in the facility image table shown in FIG. 12 and outputs this to the image composition unit 22.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example in the search for facility information using a road as a keyword. FIG. 31A shows a display example of the facility information search screen. For example, by selecting the item “along this road”, a road on which the vehicle is traveling can be specified as a search target. . FIG. 31B shows a display example of a facility search result, and a desired facility can be selected by moving up and down a portion that is highlighted (represented by hatching in the drawing). . When a desired facility is selected in this way, predetermined facility information including an overview of the facility, an image, and the like is displayed as in the display example shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the navigation device of the present embodiment, it is possible to know the entrance intersection suitable for entering the facility or the exit intersection suitable for exiting from the facility by simply specifying the desired facility. Various navigation processes can be easily performed in consideration of surrounding road conditions, and usability can be improved.

  In addition, for each facility, since it is possible to know the nearest roads that can enter and exit these facilities, it becomes possible to easily extract only the facilities that exist along the driving road of the vehicle, User convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, it is possible to perform a predetermined navigation process such as route search and provision of guidance information according to a rough purpose in consideration of the entire predetermined area, so that the usability can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible within the range of the summary of this invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the various areas are classified based on predetermined themes such as downtowns and autumn leaves hunting, but may be classified according to administrative districts. Specifically, for example, if "Yokohama City" is classified as one area, the destination facilities etc. are not clear and can meet the demands of users who want to go to Yokohama vaguely, Variations in navigation behavior can be increased.

  In addition, not all of the map information including the detailed data described above is stored in the DVD 2, but if necessary, data communication is performed with an external information center to acquire various data. Also good. In this case, a communication control unit may be provided in the navigation device and connected to a mobile phone such as a mobile phone to communicate with an external information center. If various data are acquired from the outside, the amount of data stored in the DVD 2 can be reduced, and data updated to the latest information can always be acquired.

  In the above-described embodiment, the DVD 2 is considered as a computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded. However, other recording media such as a CD, a hard disk, and a semiconductor memory may be used. In addition, the computer used in this specification widely includes information processing apparatuses including a CPU and a DSP in addition to a personal computer and the like, and includes a navigation apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic content of a road unit. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of the various tables contained in a road unit. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of an intersection unit. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of an intersection record. It is a figure which illustrates notionally about the predetermined area | region set corresponding to each theme. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the detailed data set for every theme. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of a header information table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of the entrance / exit coordinate point table. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the entrance / exit coordinates contained in the entrance / exit coordinate point table shown in FIG. 9, the approach intersection, the exit intersection, and the facility. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of the interpolation coordinate point table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of a facility image table. It is a figure explaining the detailed content of an area data table. It is a figure explaining the detailed content of an area outer periphery coordinate point table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of a road data table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of an intersection data table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of an intersection control table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of an intersection name table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of an intersection image table. It is a figure which shows the detailed content of a parking lot data table. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a navigation apparatus in the case of performing the guidance of the information regarding the various area | regions which approached within the predetermined distance from the own vehicle position. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of highlighting the various area | region which exists within the predetermined distance from the own vehicle position. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the navigation apparatus in the case of performing the route search operation in consideration of various areas. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a route search result. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the navigation apparatus in the case of searching various areas. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the navigation apparatus in the case of performing a route search process by making various facilities into the destination. It is a figure which shows an example of the guidance route data stored in a guidance route memory. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the navigation apparatus in the case of performing a route search process from various facilities as a departure place. It is a figure which shows an example of the guidance route data stored in a guidance route memory. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the navigation apparatus in the case of searching facility information for a road as a keyword. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display in the search of the facility information which used the road as a keyword.

Explanation of symbols

1 Navigation controller 2 DVD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Disc reader 4 Remote control (remote control) unit 5 GPS receiver 6 Autonomous navigation sensor 7 Display apparatus 8 Audio part 10 Map buffer 12 Map reading control part 14 Map drawing part 16 VRAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 Intersection guide part 20 Area guide part 22 Image composition part 30 Vehicle position calculation part 32 Route search process part 34 Guide route memory 38 Guide route drawing part 60 Remote control part 62 Cursor position calculation part 64 Operation screen generation part 66 Search process part

Claims (4)

A computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded,
The map information is set in units of figure leaves divided by longitude and latitude, and is set in units of map data necessary for display and route search and a predetermined area specified by specifying a plurality of intersections. And detailed data of facilities corresponding to a predetermined theme,
A first data area in which the map data is stored; and a second data area in which the detailed data is stored;
When the theme increases or decreases, the detailed data stored in the second data area is changed without changing the map data stored in the first data area. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded. In claim 1,
The detailed data includes information for identifying at least one of an entrance intersection suitable for entering each facility and an exit intersection suitable for exit corresponding to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. A computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded. In claim 1 or 2,
The detailed data includes information related to the vehicle entrance / exit of each facility corresponding to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. Recording medium. In claim 1 or 2,
The detailed data includes information for identifying the closest road that is in contact with the vehicle entrance / exit of each facility corresponding to each of one or a plurality of facilities included in the predetermined area. A computer-readable recording medium on which map information is recorded.

Images